Junaid Khan
Saj Sadiq chats with one of Pakistan’s Trophy heroes
Junaid’s inclusion in the Champions Trophy was a must-grab opportunity and he did not disappoint, taking eight wickets
Branded as underdogs with the lowest ODI ranking at the start of the Champions Trophy, the Pakistan cricket team’s participation in the tournament was widely considered to provide nothing more than match practice for the other much fancied sides.
The term “unpredictable” had been spoken about Sarfraz Ahmed’s men more for the comical aspects of Pakistan cricket and an overwhelming number of ‘experts’ felt that a swift exit at the end of the group stage was how Pakistan would end their Champions Trophy campaign.
Of course, all the pundits were wrong. There were many heroes of this Pakistan triumph. The names that were oft-repeated in coverage of this remarkable victory ranged from the precocious talents of the 18-year-old Shadab Khan, man of the tournament Hasan Ali and the aggressive opener Fakhar Zaman.
However, a careful analysis of this miraculous turnaround would also reveal the contribution of the 27-yearold Junaid Khan, without whose experience and timely return to form, Pakistan would have struggled to reach the latter stages of the tournament.
Junaid’s participation in the Champions Trophy would probably have been confined to just another name on the 15-member squad sheet had it not been for his team’s humiliating loss to India by 124 runs in the tournament opener.
The severity of the defeat necessitated changes in the team and Junaid was duly considered for selection
“There is no doubt that I wanted to play in all of the Champions Trophy matches,” he said. “That is only natural for a professional sportsman. I have a good record against India and that was another reason why I thought I would be picked and I was surprised when I was left out.
“However, looking back now, perhaps it was good luck for me to miss the opening match. (Pakistan coach) Mickey Arthur said to me that he felt they wanted to do something different and he felt that Hasan, Amir and I were of a similar pace and all three of us relied on swing, but the team needed the extra pace and bounce of Wahab Riaz against India.
“He also said to me that I would be playing in the match after India which was against South Africa.”
Junaid Khan’s career which had seen many ups and downs was about to take a turn for the better. There had been doubts about his temperament and dedication to the cause with rumours that due to disillusionment with Pakistan’s selection policies, he was considering migrating to England. There were perceived issues with his fitness and attitude but the Champions Trophy game against South Africa was to be a watershed moment for the Pakistan pace bowler.
“I was ready for this match as I had already been told that I would play against South Africa once the India match was over,” he said. “Yes, there were still a few nerves around as I hadn’t played in the tournament and there was pressure on me as I was replacing an injured player.
“I knew I had to perform and cement my place in the team by not only bowling economically but also by taking wickets. I had plans in my mind for Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers and Quinton de Kock and wanted to bowl with variety and ensure the batsmen couldn’t settle at the crease, and thankfully things went well.”
Mohammad Amir’s misdemeanours in 2010 provided a place for Junaid Khan back then but he had struggled to find a place in the team since May 2015.
The explanation offered by selectors was that a knee injury he picked up and recovered from in 2014 had taken something out of his bowling. The loss of swing and pace were a troubling factor for Junaid’s future and it appeared the fast-bowler’s career was heading for the scrap-heap.
Junaid’s return to the international fold this year provided a lifeline.
The inclusion in the 2017 Champions Trophy squad was a must-grab opportunity and he did not disappoint, taking eight wickets in the tournament at crucial stages.
His revival had indeed become a reality: “I went on the tours of Australia and the Caribbean and I bowled well, especially in the death overs. I also felt the same at the Champions Trophy.
“The yorkers and bouncers were back, as was my rhythm, and whatever I was trying to do was working for me.
“What also helped me was that I was playing back-to-back matches and not worried about being dropped after one poor match, which had been a problem in the past.
“Confidence plays a huge part in a cricketer’s performances and I feel I am always at my best when I am confident and being supported. If a player knows that he is going to get a run of matches then that really boosts his confidence levels. I feel that the Junaid Khan of 2013/2014 is back.”